Few cocktails have stood the test of time like the Old Fashioned. Revered as one of the earliest known cocktails, its simplicity and elegance have made it a staple in cocktail bars around the world. But head to Wisconsin, and you’ll quickly discover a bold reinterpretation that transforms the Old Fashioned into something entirely its own; sweeter, fruitier, and distinctly regional.
So, what’s the difference between a Classic Old Fashioned and a Wisconsin Old Fashioned? The answer lies in tradition, taste, and a splash of soda.
The Classic Old Fashioned: Spirit-Forward Sophistication
The classic version of the Old Fashioned traces its roots back to the early 1800s. It’s revered not just for its longevity, but for its elegant restraint. Designed to highlight the base spirit — traditionally bourbon or rye — this cocktail embraces minimalism with purpose.
Classic Recipe Overview
Base Spirit: Bourbon or rye whiskey
Sweetener: Sugar cube or simple syrup
Bitters: Angostura bitters
Garnish: Orange twist
Preparation: Stirred with ice, served over a large cube in a rocks glass
This version is all about balance — a subtle sweetness, aromatic bitterness, and a spirit-forward profile. It’s clean, confident, and ideal for those who want to savor the complexity of the whiskey itself.
The Wisconsin Old Fashioned: A Supper Club Staple
Now travel north to Wisconsin, and you’ll find a very different take. This version emerged as a staple of the state’s supper club culture — a place where the community gathered for prime rib, old-school charm, and brandy-based cocktails.
Yes, brandy. The Wisconsin Old Fashioned replaces whiskey with Korbel brandy, adds muddled orange slices and maraschino cherries, and tops the drink with soda; typically 7UP, Squirt, or cola depending on your style.
Wisconsin Recipe Overview
Base Spirit: Brandy (usually Korbel)
Sweetener: Sugar cube, muddled with fruit
Bitters: Angostura bitters
Fruit: Muddled orange and cherry, with additional garnish
Topper: Your choice of soda
Preparation: Built in-glass, muddled and topped
Common Variations
Sweet: Topped with 7UP or Sprite
Sour: Topped with Squirt or sour mix
Press: Half soda, half 7UP
Cola: Topped with Coca-Cola or Pepsi
Soda: Topped only with club soda
The result is a cocktail that’s festive, fruity, and unmistakably Midwestern — less about spirit-forward sipping and more about flavor, tradition, and good company.
Which One Should You Try?
Try the Classic if you enjoy spirit-forward cocktails, appreciate nuance in whiskey, or want to experience one of the most foundational drinks in mixology history.
Try the Wisconsin if you’re craving something more relaxed, sweeter, and full of regional character — or if you just want to know what people in the Midwest have been sipping for generations.
Both versions are valid. Both are beloved. And both are worth mastering.
Ready to craft them both like a pro?
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Raise your glass, whether it’s topped with soda or not.
